93

Ernest Hemingway ALS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Ernest Hemingway ALS
"WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED AFTER THE AUCTION ENDS BY THE AUCTIONEER ONCE ALL BIDS HAVE BEEN PROCESSED TO DETERMINE THE WINNER FOR EACH LOT."
Ernest Hemingway autograph letter signed, dated 21 February 1954 on ''New Stanley Hotel'' stationery, located in Nairobi. Letter is addressed to Lawrence Figgis in the aftermath of the famous January 1954 Ugandan safari in which Ernest and Mary Hemingway were injured in two separate plane crashes. In the first crash, Mary Hemingway suffered several broken ribs; the next day, their second aircraft caught fire and made a rough forced landing. During the crash, Hemingway broke out a window with his head and suffered burns, various internal injuries and, as it later turned out, a fractured skull. He was hospitalized in Nairobi, where he had the novel experience of reading his own premature obituary in the newspapers. The experience ultimately resulted in a two-part article by Hemingway, ''The Christmas Gift,'' published in ''Look'' Magazine on 20 April and 4 May 1954, which Hemingway references here. Letter is addressed to Larry Figgis, as Katherine and Larry Figgis became friends with the Hemingways' at that time; Katherine evidently helped in the transcription and perhaps typing of the ''Look'' article and Hemingway was godfather to one of their children. Letter, written in blue ink reads, ''Dear Larry: This is to certify that that I owe Catherine and Larry Figgis 5% (five percent) of whatever money I receive from the sale of the magazine article entitled 'The Christmas Gift' and I am grateful for their assistance without which I could not have written this article. Best always / Ernest Hemingway''. Letter, measuring 8'' x 10.25'', has minor smearing on a few words and creasing and folds throughout, with two folds running through Hemingway's signature. Overall in very good condition.